Two-year United deal for Owen

Michael Owen is determined to repay the faith Sir Alex Ferguson has shown in him after penning a two-year contract with Manchester United.

The 29-year-old moves to Old Trafford on a free transfer after four injury-plagued years with Newcastle United.

Owen told United's official website: "I'd just begun to talk to other clubs when, out of the blue, Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him the next morning during which he told me that he wanted to sign me. I agreed without a moment's thought.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands.

"I'am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I'm fortunate that I already know so many of the players here. I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I'll be starting at Carrington from day one.

"I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he's shown in me and I give him my assurance that I'll repay him with my goals and performances."

Owen, who was earning a reported £100,000-a-week at Newcastle, has made just 76 appearances and scored 30 goals during his four seasons with the Magpies following his £16million arrival from Real Madrid.